Hand Held Products IT4X80 User manual

Brand: Hand Held Products

Model: IT4X80

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

™

Quick Check 2D Print

Quality Assessment

Applies to the following products:

IT4410, IT4710, IT4600, IT4800, IT4X80

User’s Guide

Disclaimer

Hand Held Products, Inc. d/b/a HHP (“HHP”) reserves the right to make changes

in specifications and other information contained in this document without prior

notice, and the reader should in all cases consult HHP to determine whether any

such changes have been made. The information in this publication does not

represent a commitment on the part of HHP.

HHP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained

herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,

performance, or use of this material.

This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright.

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied,

reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior written consent

of HHP.

Web Address: www.HHP.com

Chapter 1 - Introduction

User Operation...................................................................... 1-1

Reading Techniques.............................................................. 1-1

Symbology/Parameter Specifics........................................... 1-2

2D PQA Reporting ............................................................... 1-3

Full Report ..................................................................... 1-3

Screening Report............................................................ 1-3

Identifying Symbol Content........................................... 1-4

2D Stacked / Multi-row ........................................................ 1-5

PDF417 .......................................................................... 1-5

MicroPDF417................................................................. 1-8

2D Matrix.............................................................................. 1-9

Aztec Code ..................................................................... 1-9

Data Matrix .................................................................. 1-10

QR Code....................................................................... 1-11

MaxiCode..................................................................... 1-12

Postal (Height-Modulated) Bar Code Symbologies ........... 1-13

Postnet and Planet Code............................................... 1-13

4-State Codes ...................................................................... 1-15

Parameter Interpretation ..................................................... 1-16

Average Bar/Gap Width............................................... 1-16

Average (Bar) Height/Extension Height...................... 1-16

Bar Sequence................................................................ 1-17

Codeword (Data and Check)........................................ 1-17

Codeword Yield ........................................................... 1-17

Data Safety Margin ...................................................... 1-17

Edge Accuracy ............................................................. 1-17

Encoded Message......................................................... 1-18

Error Correction/Error Correction Characters ............. 1-18

Error Correction Level (ECL)...................................... 1-18

Error Detection/Error Detection Characters................. 1-18

Mask Pattern/Masking ................................................. 1-18

Module Errors .............................................................. 1-19

Print Growth (Horizontal and Vertical) ....................... 1-19

Row Height .................................................................. 1-19

Table of Contents

Symbology.................................................................... 1-19

Useful Row Height ....................................................... 1-19

X-dimension ................................................................. 1-20

Chapter 2 - Quick*View

Quick*View Demonstration Software Instructions .............. 2-1

Setting Up the Imager and the Quick*View Software ... 2-1

Installing Quick*View from the Web ................................... 2-1

Temporary Quick*View Configuration ................................ 2-2

Using the Quick*View Software ..........................................2-3

Chapter 3 - Customer Support

Obtaining Factory Service..................................................... 3-1

Technical Assistance............................................................. 3-2

1 - 1

Introduction

Two-dimensional Print Quality Assessment (2D PQA), a feature of HHP's image

readers, identifies a successfully read symbol and also reports graded mea-

surement parameters obtained from the symbol.

2D PQA is not "true" verification in the traditional sense of the word; however it

can easily and inexpensively provide test results that you may find useful for 2D

bar code symbol print quality process control. This User's Guide explains how

to activate HHP's 2D PQA analysis function, what is reported, how the data is

measured, what the readings mean, and what you might do to improve your

process.

User Operation

To utilize 2D PQA you need to have an IMAGETEAM™ 4600/4800/4X80 with

firmware revision 1.135.1.1 or higher or an IMAGETEAM 4410/4710 with firm-

ware revision 1.91.2.18 or higher..

To see displayed results using the 2D PQA feature, Microsoft

Notepad, a word

processor/editing program, or Quick*View is recommended. Refer to Chapter 2

for information regarding Quick*View.

Reading Techniques

Hand held movement, rotation, and location will affect the measured results. To

obtain proper repeatable reads that yield useful print quality information, you

should follow the techniques listed below.

• Lay the bar code symbol to be tested on a flat surface

• IT4600/4800/4X80: Hold the imager 7.0 in (17.8 cm) for SR models, 3.5 in

(8.9 cm) for the HD, and 4.5 in (11.4 cm) for the SF from the bar code sym-

bol. This distance is measured from the imager's front window to the read-

ing surface.

• IT4410/4710: Hold the imager 5.0 in (12.7 cm) for LR models, 2.0 in (5.1

cm) for the HD, and 7.0 in (17.8 cm) for the LX from the bar code symbol.

This distance is measured from the imager's front window to the reading

surface.

Show Firmware

1 - 2

• The hand-held imager has a view finder that projects a bright aiming beam

that corresponds to the imager’s horizontal field of view. The aiming beam

should be centered over the bar code and positioned horizontally over the

code (no tilt, skew, or rotation). If the symbol surface is shiny, the reader

may have to be held several degrees below the normal position to avoid

specular reflections.

• When testing, attempt to minimize as much movement of the imager as pos-

sible. Excessive movement can cause variability in PQA results.

• It is best to take multiple reads of the symbol, comparing the PQA results to

form a better indication of the overall symbol quality.

When you use 2D PQA under the above conditions, you can expect meaningful

and repeatable results that can be used to make correction adjustments in your

symbol generation process.

Symbology/Parameter Specifics

Two-dimensional bar code symbologies come in three distinct varieties or basic

structures:

1. Stacked or Multi-Row symbologies (e.g., PDF417 and MicroPDF47),

2. 2D Matrix symbologies (e.g., Data Matrix, Aztec Code, QR Code, and Maxi-

code), and

3. Postal (Height-Modulated) symbologies (e.g., Postnet and Planet Code in

the U.S. and the 4-State codes used in England, the Netherlands (KIX),

Canada, Japan, and Australia).

Since each of these basic types or structures differ, the 2D PQA outputs are

quite different to accommodate the quality parameters for each of the classes of

2D symbols.

2D Matrix symbol

1 - 3

2D PQA Reporting

Full Report

HHP's 2D PQA reporting can be enabled in two different modes: Full Report or

Screening.

If you are using Quick*View, you can enable Full Report, a listing of all of a sym-

bol's identifying information, measurements, and corresponding grades, by typ-

ing the following menu command:

2D_PQA1

or by scanning the following bar code:

Note: With the IT4600/4800/4X80, the PQA report is sent out as a second data/

beep sequence after the bar code data. The report has its own HHP code

ID of >(0X3E) so it can be uniquely identified.

Screening Report

Screening is a grade-based mode that allows display of a limited list of identify-

ing information, as well as only those measurements that are below Minimum

Acceptable Grade (MAG) level. With the IT4600/4800/4X80, if all of the param-

eters are met in the screening mode, only the bar code data will be output with a

beep. If one or more of the measured parameters fail to meet the MAG, the

PQA message is also sent with a beep.

Note: With the IT4410/4710, screening mode outputs are also accompanied by

a single beep if all parameters are okay or a triple beep if one or more of

the measured parameters fail to meet the MAG.

If you are using Quick*View, you can enable Screening by typing the following

menu commands:

2D_PQA2 when A is the Minimum Acceptable Grade

2D_PQA3 when B is the Minimum Acceptable Grade

2D_PQA4 when C is the Minimum Acceptable Grade

2D_PQA5 when D is the Minimum Acceptable Grade

Full Report

1 - 4

If your imager is in keyboard wedge mode, enable Screening by scanning the

following bar codes.

You can exit both Full Report and Screening modes by either typing the menu

command, 2D_PQA0, if you are using Quick*View, or by scanning the following

bar code:

Identifying Symbol Content

To identify content or "format" aspects of a symbol, 2D PQA modes report the

less than obvious characteristics of a symbol. For quality determination, 2D

PQA reports those parameters that both relate directly to the print or creation

process, and that also remain relatively consistent over a range of hand held

reading situations.

In the 2D PQA Full Report mode, successful scans of a 2D symbol output a

message similar to the following (with slight variations based upon the symbol-

ogy being tested):

This is a representative PDF417 symbol

>>> PQA from HHP <<<

PDF417: 11 rows x 3 cols, 25 data & 8 chks (ECL = 2)

X roughly = 0.014"

[A] < Row Height = 3.1 X

[A] < Useful Row Height = 2.5 X (82% Row)

[A] < Data Safety Margin = 100% (0 Erasures & 0 Errors)

[B] < Edge Accuracy = 59%

[C] < Print Growth = -43% of X

Minimum Acceptable

Grade = D

Minimum Acceptable

Grade = B

Minimum Acceptable

Grade = C

Minimum Acceptable

Grade = A

Exit

1 - 5

While the details are explained below, this general format includes:

• the encoded data (the usual output message) in the first line.

• a banner " >>> PQA from HHP <<<" identifying the start of the 2D PQA

report.

• the symbology, its features, and approximate size.

• graded print quality parameters in the following lines.

In the 2D PQA Screening mode with "A" as the Minimum Acceptable Grade, this

same scan would be accompanied by a triple beep and the following output

message:

This is a representative PDF417 symbol

>>> PQA from HHP <<<

Minimum Acceptable Grade = A

PDF417: X roughly = 0.014"

Poor Edge Accuracy (59%)

Excessive Print Shrinkage (-43% of X)

With "C" as the Minimum Acceptable Grade, this same scan would produce just

a single beep and the following output message:

This is a representative PDF417 symbol

>>> PQA from HHP <<<

Minimum Acceptable Grade = C

PDF417: X roughly = 0.014"

All Measurements within range

The actual details of the symbol identifying and print quality parameters are

explained in the following sections.

2D Stacked / Multi-row

This section describes 2D PQA outputs for PDF417 and MicroPDF417, as well

as their derivative 2D arrays used in UCC/EAN Composite Components and

T-Linked Code 39.

PDF417

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a representative PDF417 symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} PDF417: 11 rows x 3 cols, 25 data & 8 chks (ECL = 2)

{4} X roughly = 0.014"

1 - 6

{5} [A] < Row Height = 3.1 X

{6} [A] < Useful Row Height = 2.5 X (82% Row)

{7} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 100% (0 Erasures & 0

Errors)

{8} [B] < Edge Accuracy = 59%

{9} [C] < Print Growth = -43% of X

where:

{1} is always the Encoded Message, the usual data output. In this case "This

is a representative PDF417 symbol".

{2} is a standard Banner heading that marks the start of the PQA portion of the

output.

{3} identifies the Symbology, PDF417 (or its derivative COMPOSITE-C), and

lists other characteristics of this symbol: the height and width of the data

field, the numbers of data and check characters, and the corresponding

Error Correction Level.

{4} presents an approximate X-dimension, presuming normal viewing dis-

tance.

In the Screening PQA modes, the Symbology Identification from Line {3} is com-

bined with the approximate X-dimension from Line {4}.

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{5} lists the average Row Height, assigning the grades as:

A if Row Height >= 2.5 X

Fotherwise

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Rows are Too Short (2.2X)"

when that is the case.

{6} lists the Useful Row Height, which is the measured Row Height times the

codeword yield (listed in parentheses), the percentage of symbol characters

scanned that actually decode. The grade is assigned as:

A if Useful Height >= 2.0 X, else

B if Useful Height >= 1.6 X, else

C if Useful Height >= 1.3 X, else

1 - 7

D if Useful Height >= 1.0 X, else

Fotherwise

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Useful Row Height is Too

Short (1.5X)" when that is the case.

{7} lists the Data Safety Margin, which is the ratio of the unused error correc-

tion words to the recommended (!) number of such words. Data Safety Mar-

gin can exceed 100%, when the ECL is higher than the minimum

recommended, or be limited to 50% or lower, even with perfect printing,

when the ECL is below minimum. The grade is assigned as:

A if Safety Margin >= 62%, else

B if Safety Margin >= 50%, else

C if Safety Margin >= 37%, else

D if Safety Margin >= 25%, else

Fotherwise

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Low Data Safety Margin

(44%)" when that is the case.

{8} lists the Edge Accuracy measured in the Start or Stop patterns. The grade

is assigned as:

A if Edge Accuracy >= 62%, else

B if Edge Accuracy >= 50%, else

C if Edge Accuracy >= 37%, else

D if Edge Accuracy >= 25%, else

Fotherwise

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Poor Edge Accuracy (59%)"

when that is the case.

{9} lists the Print Growth measured in the Start or Stop patterns (the growth of

the dark modules or "bars"). The grade is assigned as:

A if Print Growth is between +/- 20%, else

B if Print Growth is between +/- 30%, else

C if Print Growth is between +/- 40%, else

D if Print Growth is between +/- 50%, else

Fotherwise

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Excessive Print Growth

(33%)" or "Excessive Print Shrinkage (-43%)" when those are the cases.

1 - 8

In rare instances where neither a valid Start nor Stop pattern is measurable, yet

the symbol is somehow read, lines {8} and {9} are replaced by a message to

that effect. The message is either:

"[F] < Start/Stop Decode Fails" in a Full Report

"Start/Stop Characters are Bad" in a Screening mode.

In Screening modes, it often occurs that none of the parameters are below the

Minimum Acceptable grade. In this case, the final PQA line becomes:

"All Measurements within range".

MicroPDF417

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a typical Micro PDF417 symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} MICROPDF: 15 rows x 3 cols, 24 data & 21 chks

{4} X roughly = 0.015"

{5} [A] < Row Height = 1.8 X

{6} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 100% (0 Erasures & 0

Errors)

{7} [A] < Edge Accuracy = 70%

{8} [A] < Print Growth = +4% of X

where:

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology, MICROPDF (or one of its derivatives: COMPOS-

ITE-A, COMPOSITE-B, or TLC39), and lists other characteristics of this

symbol: the height and width, and the numbers of data and check, or error

correction characters.

{4} presents an approximate X-dimension.

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{5} lists the average Row Height, assigning the grades as:

1 - 9

A if Row Height >= 1.5 X,

Fotherwise.

{6} lists the Data Safety Margin. Because MicroPDF's error correction level is

fixed, this parameter is just the "Unused Error Correction" and always

between 0 and 100%.

{7} lists the Edge Accuracymeasured in multiple scans through the Row

Address Patterns.

{8} lists the Print Growth measured within the Row Address Patterns.

2D Matrix

This section describes 2D PQA outputs for Aztec Code, Data Matrix, QR Code,

and MaxiCode.

Aztec Code

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a representative Aztec Code symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} AZTEC CODE: 3 layers (Compact) => 23x23 modules

{4} Data Field: 29 data & 22 chks in GF(256), 0 Erasures

& 0 Errors

{5} X roughly = 0.021"

{6} [A] < Core Symbol: 0 errors

{7} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 146%

{8} [A] < Horizontal Print Growth = +1% of X

{9} [A] < Vertical Print Growth = +1% of X

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology (AZTEC CODE) and lists the symbol's size and

format.

{4} lists the numbers of Data and Check Words, as well as the Error Correction

used.

{5} presents an approximate X-dimension.

1 - 10

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{6} lists the number of Module Errors in the central Core Symbol, which con-

sists of the finder bullseye, four orientation clusters at its corners, and the

mode message along its perimeter. The grade is assigned as:

A if there are 0 (zero) errors,

B if there is 1 error,

C if there are 2 errors,

D if there are 3 errors

F if there are 4 or more errors.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Too many Code Symbol

Errors (3)" when that is the case.

{7} lists the Data Safety Margin. In Aztec Code symbols, the recommended

number of error correction words is a minimum that is generally exceeded

because any excess codeword capacity is filled with extra check words.

Thus this parameter often exceeds 100%, but it also can be forced to much

higher or lower levels by user options.

{8} and {9} list the Horizontal & Vertical Print Growths, respectively. When

one direction's growth is substantially larger than the other, excessive bar

dragging in the direction of label travel is indicated and should be fixed.

When both directions have excessive growth, then either (a) adjustment of

the print process or (b) undercutting of the original bar code symbol graphic

is recommended.

Data Matrix

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a representative Data Matrix symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} DATA MATRIX ECC200: 24 x 24 modules in size

{4} Data Field: 36 data & 24 chks in 1 block(s) of

GF(256)

{5} X roughly = 0.025"

{6} [A] < Fixed Patterns: 0 module errors

1 - 11

{7} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 100%

{8} [A] < Horizontal Print Growth = +10% of X

{9} [A] < Vertical Print Growth = +12% of X

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology (DATA MATRIX) and lists the symbol's ECC and

size.

{4} lists the numbers of Data and Check Words, as well as the error correction

used.

{5} presents an approximate X-dimension.

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{6} lists the number of Module Errors in the Fixed Patterns, which consist of

the Finder "L" and Clocking tracks around the perimeter of the symbol, their

adjacent quiet zones, and any interior alignment patterns in larger ECC200

symbols.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Too many Fixed Pattern

Errors (3)" when that is the case.

{7} lists the Data Safety Margin. This parameter is measured and reported

only for ECC200 symbols. These symbols have a fixed level of error correc-

tion. There is no equivalent parameter for the convolutional error encoding

used in older versions of Data Matrix. This parameter is just the "Unused

Error Correction" and always between 0 and 100%.

{8} and {9} list the Horizontal & Vertical Print Growths, respectively.

QR Code

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a representative QR Code symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

1 - 12

{3} QR CODE: Model 2 Version 3 (29 x 29 modules)

{4} Mask Pattern Reference #3, Error Correction Level

"M"

{5} Data Field: 44 data & 26 checks in 1 block(s) of

GF(256)

{6} X roughly = 0.025"

{7} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 100%

{8} [A] < Horizontal Print Growth = +20% of X

{9} [A] < Vertical Print Growth = +17% of X

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology (QR CODE) and lists the symbol's model, version

and size.

{4} lists this symbol's Mask Pattern and Error Correction Level.

{5} lists the numbers of Data and Check Words and their arrangement into

blocks.

{6} presents an approximate X-dimension.

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{7} lists the Data Safety Margin. "M" is the recommended error correction

level for QR Code, so symbols encoded at "H" or "Q" will typically have

safety margins exceeding 100%, while those encoded at "L" are limited to

values below 50%.

{8} and {9} list the Horizontal & Vertical Print Growths, respectively.

MaxiCode

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} This is a representative Maxicode symbol

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} MAXICODE: Mode 4

1 - 13

{4} X roughly = 0.043"

{5} [A] < Data Safety Margin = 100%

{6} [A] < Horizontal Print Growth = +2% of X

{7} [A] < Vertical Print Growth = -1% of X

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology (MAXICODE) and lists the symbol's Mode.

{4} presents an approximate X-dimension.

Note: The reported X-dimension is approximate and based upon use of the

IT4410LR at 4.7 in (12 cm) (see "Reading Techniques" on page 1-1). If

you use different image engines, the X-dimension will vary. If you hold

the reader closer than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a

larger than true X-dimension. Conversely, if you hold the reader farther

away than 4.7 in (12 cm), it will have the effect of reporting a smaller than

true X-dimension. Please contact HHP Application Support for additional

information. Refer to Chapter 3 for contact information.

{5} lists the Data Safety Margin. Because the Error Correction level for Maxi-

Code is fixed for each mode, this parameter is just the "Unused Error Cor-

rection," and is always between 0 and 100%.

{6} and {7} list the Horizontal & Vertical Print Growths, respectively.

Postal (Height-Modulated) Bar Code Symbologies

This section describes the height-modulated 2-state symbologies, Postnet and

Planet Code, used in the United States, as well as the 4-state symbologies used

in England, the Netherlands (“KIX”), Canada, Japan, and Australia. All dimen-

sions, where listed, are in inches for 2-state symbols and in millimeters for 4-

state symbols.

Postnet and Planet Code

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} 51591

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} POSTNET: 32 Bars, nominally from 01.30 to 01.56 in.

in Width

{4} Bar Sequence: 10101000011010101010000011101001

{5} [F] (Hi) < Tall Bar Heights: 0.155 in.

{6} [F] (Hi) < Short Bar Heights: 0.081 in.

1 - 14

{7} [A] (Ok) < Bar Widths = 0.022 in.

{8} [A] (Ok) < Inter-Bar Gaps = 0.023 in.

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology, (POSTNET or PLANET Code), and lists also the

symbol's size and allowed range of measured width.

{4} lists the Bar Sequence, "1" representing a tall bar and "0" representing a

short one.

{5} lists the Average Height of the tall bars, specified to fall within 0.115 to

0.125 in. The grades are assigned as:

A if within the middle 67% of the specified tolerances, else

B if within the specified tolerances, else

C if within a range 25% wider(!) than the specified tolerances, else

D if within a range 50% wider(!) than the specified tolerances, else

Fotherwise

Note: These forgiving grade assignments, employed throughout the postal

symbologies, reflect what are generally tight and unforgiving print

specifications.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as ""Tall" Bars are too Short (or

Long) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

{6} lists the Average Height of the short bars, specified to fall within 0.040 to

0.060 in.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as ""Short" Bars are too Short

(or Long) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

{7} lists the Average Width of the bars, specified to fall within 0.015 to 0.025 in.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Bars are too Narrow (or

Wide) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

{8} lists the Average Space Width between bars, specified to fall within 0.012

to 0.040 in.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Spaces are too Narrow (or

Wide) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

1 - 15

4-State Codes

The Full Report from a typical scan looks like the following (line numbers have

been added in curly brackets):

{1} B15AJ6T

{2} >>> PQA from HHP <<<

{3} 4-STATE(British): 34 Bars, nominally from 38.5 to

42.3 mm. in Width

{4} Bar Sequence: ADHTATDAHDDAADADAADTHTADHHDATHTADH

{5} [A] (Ok) < "Tall" Bar Extensions: 2.79 mm. from cen-

ter

{6} [F] (Hi) < "Short" Bar Extensions: 1.00 mm. from

center

{7} [B] (Hi) < Bar Widths = 0.60 mm.

{8} [A] (Ok) < Inter-Bar Gaps = 0.59 mm.

{1} is the Encoded Message.

{2} is the Banner heading.

{3} identifies the Symbology, 4-STATE (British, or KIX, Canadian, Japanese,

or Australian), and also lists this symbol's size and allowed range of mea-

sured width.

{4} lists the Bar Sequence, "A" representing Ascending bars, "D" representing

Descending bars, "T" representing Tracker (short) bars, and "H" represent-

ing tall bars that both ascend and descend.

{5} lists the Average Extension from the centerline of the tall ascenders and

descenders, as specified in Table 1.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as ""Tall" Bar Extensions are

too Short (or Long) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

{6} lists the Average Extensions from the centerline of the Short tracks, as

specified in Table 1.

In Screening modes, this parameter is reported as "Short" Bar Extensions are

too Short (or Long) (0.xxx in.)" when that is the case.

{7} lists the Average Width of the bars, as specified in Table 1.

{8} lists the Average Space Width between bars, as specified in Table 1.

1 - 16

Note: For the Canadian and Australian 4-State symbologies only, any bar error

that has invoked their error correction triggers an additional PQA

parameter line:

"[F] < One or more Bars are in Error!" in a Full Report or

"One or more Bars are in Error!" in a Screening mode.

Parameter Interpretation

Average Bar/Gap Width

Average Bar or Inter-Bar Gap Widths are the average of such dimensions mea-

sured across an entire postal symbology. A low average bar width or inter-bar

gap width grade indicates print conditions that expand or shrink the apparent

size of the dark elements, threatening to make the narrow bars or spaces disap-

pear. Potential areas of correction include adjusting the print process (e.g., ink

flow, transfer heat, print speed), adjusting the original bar code symbol graphic

or pattern (through techniques such as undercutting), or by making the symbol

larger.

Average (Bar) Height/Extension Height

Average Height/Extension Height is a measure of the average height of the bars

or dark elements in a symbol. Depending on the symbology and print process,

this can be corrected by graphically stretching the symbol for 2D stacked sym-

bols (see "Row Height" on page 1-19 and "Useful Row Height" on page 1-19),

or may be an indication that the symbol generating program, in the case of the

postal symbologies, does not meet the required specifications.

Table 1: Dimensional Tolerances for the Various 4-State Bar

Code Symbologies

“Tall” Bar

Extensions

“Short” Bar

Extensions”

Bar Widths

Gap (Space)

Widths

British 2.16 - 2.92 mm 0.51 - 0.76 mm 0.38 - 0.63 mm 0.50 - 0.87 mm

Netherlands 2.16 - 2.92 mm 0.51 - 0.76 mm 0.38 - 0.63 mm 0.42 - 0.89 mm

Canadian 2.1 - 2.50 mm 0.25 - 0.40 mm 0.40 - 0.60 mm 0.40 - 0.76 mm

Japanese 1.70 - 1.80 mm 0.52 - 0.68 mm 0.50 - 0.70 mm 0.45 - 0.60 mm

Australian 2.10 - 2.90 mm 0.50 - 0.80 mm 0.40 - 0.60 mm 0.40 - 0.76 mm

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Hand Held Products IT4X80 User manual

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